approximation to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximation to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a value or concept that is close to but not exactly equal to another value or concept. Example: "The approximation to the actual value of pi is often rounded to 3.14 for simplicity in calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was an approximation to original practice, not a reconstruction.

The Guardian - Books

And it bears no close approximation to the truth.

The New York Times

"I was ticked," is the closest approximation to what he really said later.

The New York Times - Sports

'The placement corresponds in some rough approximation to brain areas that are underneath the scalp".

The New York Times - Tech

It is, in the present state of knowledge, the best approximation to the truth.

The Guardian - Books

Where else should people turn for some rough approximation to the truth?

The Guardian - Opinion

But he said that in his younger days that character was really a pretty close approximation to himself".

The New York Times

A circle drawn in the sand was an imperfect approximation to the ideal Platonic circle hanging in some abstract space.

The Guardian

For all its approximation to an Agatha Christie, the book actually bears very little resemblance to one.

The Guardian - Books

Most price indexes are based on some approximation to such a sampling design.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, at temperatures around 4 × 109 K, an approximation to nuclear statistical equilibrium may be reached.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approximation to", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being approximated. For example, "This model is a good "approximation to" real-world data" clarifies the model's purpose and limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "approximation to" when a precise value or measurement is available. Using it inappropriately can suggest uncertainty where none exists, undermining the accuracy of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximation to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying the degree to which something resembles or estimates another thing. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely acceptable in English. The examples show that it is used to express that something is not exact but close enough for a specific purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "approximation to" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that closely resembles or estimates another. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is widely accepted in English. It's frequently used in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts to indicate a degree of accuracy. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear about what is being approximated and avoid overstating precision when it is not warranted. Consider alternatives such as "close estimate of" or "rough calculation of" to fine-tune your message. Remember to maintain accuracy and precision whenever possible to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

estimation of

General term for forming an approximate judgment or calculation.

close estimate of

Emphasizes estimation with a high degree of precision.

near equivalent of

Suggests something that is almost the same or comparable.

rough calculation of

Indicates an imprecise or preliminary computation.

similarity to

Highlights the degree of resemblance between two things.

resemblance to

Focuses on the likeness in appearance or qualities.

likeness to

Denotes similarity, often in visual or superficial aspects.

semblance of

Implies an outward appearance or imitation, not necessarily accurate.

close parallel to

Suggests a similarity in trend or direction rather than exact replication.

analogous to

Indicates a similarity that supports reasoning by analogy.

FAQs

How can I use "approximation to" in a sentence?

Use "approximation to" to describe something that is similar but not exactly the same as something else. For example: "The model provides a useful "approximation to" the real-world data."

What's the difference between "approximation to" and "estimation of"?

"Approximation to" refers to the process or result of approximating, while "estimation of" is the act of estimating something. They are often interchangeable, but "approximation to" can also refer to the approximate value itself.

What are some alternatives to "approximation to"?

Alternatives include "close estimate of", "rough calculation of", and "near equivalent of", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "approximation to" in scientific writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the level of precision required. In some scientific contexts, a more precise term might be necessary if the "approximation to" something introduces unacceptable error or ambiguity.